Airplane burglary suspect arrested upon arrival in Macau

The Judiciary Police (PJ) announced the arrest of a suspect in a case of aggravated theft that occurred on a flight from Singapore to Macau on June 24.

According to authorities, the incident was reported to the Airport Superintendent’s Office of the Public Security Police at 11:37 p.m. on June 24.

Four non-local residents, three women and one man, reported that their belongings had been stolen and they had lost a total of approximately MOP23,500 in cash from their hand carry luggage during the flight.

The investigation allegedly revealed that a male passenger, identified as 52-year-old Chai, an unemployed mainland China resident, was witnessed by the cousin of one of the female victims rummaging through her handbag while she was away from her seat.

The cousin immediately informed the cabin crew, who then made an announcement for all passengers to check their belongings.

Three of the other passengers, the remaining victims, discovered that items had been stolen from their luggage as well. The losses included RMB2,400, HKD14,500 and SGD800.

When the flight landed, the cabin crew contacted the police, and a search of the aircraft led to the recovery of the stolen currencies, which were found hidden in various locations on the plane, including overhead compartments and under seats. The recovered money matched the amounts reported stolen by the victims.

The suspect has refused to cooperate with the investigation, and several foreign currencies and plastic bags like those used to conceal the stolen money were allegedly seized from him.

The authorities have said they will continue to investigate whether the suspect is involved in other similar cases and if there are additional victims. Howard Tong